There are numerous schemes, programmes, incentives being presented by the government of India in order to promote women’s empowerment. But, a few things that could have been resulted into substantial changes in the growth of same are not properly focused on.
Menstrual hygiene and its awareness has never achieved sustainability. The reason for it so is, still today, a large number of women and girls aren’t aware of usage of sanitary pads, its disposal and maintenance of hygiene. The usage of clothes as a substitute to pads aren’t advised and are considered unhealthy which is prone to further infections. According to a UNICEF study conducted in 2011 only 13% girls in India are aware of menstruation.
The reasons as to why sanitary pads should be used as a freebie are, India’s majority of the population resides in remote areas. Resulting, there are lack of awareness, illiteracy, and poverty, due to which people still are not aware about menstrual hygiene and things related to it.
Solutions and Suggestions
Its not only the need of Central Government to come forward to look into the framework. Rather, there is need of Central, State and government of Union Territories to come together. In support of same, The Supreme court stated that, “State has to play a vital role. States should send the Union their menstrual hygiene policies within period of 4 weeks. States and UTs shall also indicate the ratio of girls in schools. All states and UTs shall ensure low cost sanitary napkins and safe disposal mechanisms. An updated status report shall be placed on record by Union Govt in 3 months”.
A framework and proper regulatory authority is required to ensure proper regulation. In government schools there is absence of basic proper toilet. There is need of separate toilet involving disposal mechanism for girls in all government, government aided and residential schools who are in period of menstruation so that they can ensure proper application and disposal of pads time to time while being in school.
Government’s approach to promote girls’ education is unconventionally commendable. But, menstruation affects a girl’s mental and physical ability to a large extent and proper supply related to it should be laid emphasis on. Sanitary pads can be used as a freebies in schools as their prices are way very high so as to afford for a family residing in rural area who struggles with the inadequate daily wages. As a consequence, its needs and concerns get overlooked.
The reason for same is, a large number of school dropouts have been seen due to menstruation. Inadequate facilities, lack of knowledge, its consideration as a taboo are some of the reasons that is risking a girl’s scope of life. As they prefer restricting and limiting themselves residing at home than to invest in education. For instance, as per UNICEF studies, 60% of girls missed school on account of menstruation.
Conclusion
Considering the level of advancement and modernisation. As, the place and environment in which one resides, plays a key role in having awareness in relation to same. It appears that, the absence of same in remote areas resulted into the issues discussed above.
India, a developing country where there are several issues involved such as Poverty, Illiteracy, Pollution, Communal differences, Crimes, Corruption etc. A place where menstruation is treated as taboo and is not suitable to talk about. It was leftover dealing with the same and the Menstrual Hygiene and concerns related to it were not evenly being looked and laid importance on.
And on a very serious note, Indian society needs to understand that, menstruation is not a choice. Rather, it is a natural process through which females go through. Awareness regarding it would further support in promotion of women’s empowerment. Its not only girls who need to get awareness pertaining to same. Rather, it is needed to be taught in school so as to ensure mutual cooperation of both the genders towards one another.
Its never too late where there is interests of women at large are involved and any step to work upon in respect of their education, equality, health and status or the issues related to them are subject to be welcomed.